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8 Reasons Why Your Breasts May Be Sore, And When To See A Doctor

It's normal for your breasts to be sore sometimes. But while some causes of breast tenderness are rather innocuous — like an ill-fitting bra or normal hormonal fluctuations — sore breasts can also be a sign of something more serious, like breast cancer. 

Here are eight possible reasons why your breasts may feel tender.

1. You're about to get your period

Fluctuations in sex hormone throughout your menstrual cycle affect your breasts in two major ways:  

Your estrogen levels rise in the first half of your cycle, between the end of your period and ovulation, which causes your breast ducts to swell.

Your progesterone levels rise during the second half of your cycle, between ovulation and the start of your next period, which causes milk glands to form in your breasts.

Both of these hormone changes can trigger breast pain, but your breasts will usually be most tender just before your period starts.

Signs that your breast pain is linked to your period include:

The pain comes around the same time every month.

Along with soreness, your breasts feel more lumpy than usual — this may be a sign that your milk glands are enlarged.

The pain often occurs in the upper, outer region of your breast, or around your nipple, says Monique Swain, MD, Director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program at Henry Ford Health System.

You have other premenstrual symptoms like bloating, fatigue, or mood swings.

The pain goes away once your period starts.

2. Your bra doesn't fit properly

Your breasts can get sore from wearing the wrong size bra — both too small and too big bra sizes can cause issues. But "a well-supportive bra can help to reduce breast pain," Swain says.

According to Swain, a good bra can help by:

Keeping your breasts from moving too much during exercise.

Lifting your breasts upward to relieve tension on the cooper's ligaments that support your breasts. 

An ill-fitting bra can cause soreness by:

Compressing your breasts too much.

Having an underwire that digs into your skin rather than laying flat.

Alberta Health Services offers a guide for how to accurately measure your bra size and what to look for in a good fit.

3. You have breast cysts

Breast pain can also be caused by breast cysts, which are plugged-up ducts that fill with fluid.

Large cysts can be painful, "because as a cyst gets larger, it expands the wall of the duct, stretching it and creating tenderness," says Therese Bevers, MD, a professor of clinical cancer prevention at the University of Texas.

Two signs that you may have a cyst are:

You have a smooth, round lump that is easily movable.

You have clear, yellow, or brown discharge from your nipple.

Cysts usually don't require treatment and often go away on their own. But if they're painful, you can see your doctor to have the fluid drained.

4. You have a deep bruise

If your breast gets bumped or injured, you can develop a deep bruise that isn't always visible.

If one of your breasts is tender and you think you may have hurt it, you can look for signs like:

You don't feel any new lumps or masses.

It starts to feel better after a few days of not touching the breast at all.

5. You have a milk duct infection

Particularly if you're breastfeeding, it's possible for one of your milk ducts to become infected. This can cause "inflammation and swelling in the duct system and surrounding breast tissue which can lead to severe pain and discomfort," Swain says.

Milk duct infections can start suddenly and may come with symptoms like:

Redness and swelling

Breast feeling warm to the touch

A burning feeling, especially while breastfeeding

Feeling generally sick or having a fever

If you think you may have an infection, see your doctor as soon as possible to determine if you need antibiotics.

6. You have a rare type of breast cancer

"Most breast cancers don't cause tenderness," Bevers says. But a rare form of cancer called inflammatory breast cancer causes pain when the tumor invades your skin.

"This causes an inflammatory process in the skin, which can cause tenderness," Bevers says.

Other symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer include:

Swelling in only one breast

Purple or red skin color

Breast skin thickening or dimpling to look like an orange peel

Inverted nipple

Inflammatory breast cancer is very rare, making up only 1%-5% of breast cancers, but if you have these symptoms, you should see your doctor right away.

7. You're pregnant

In the first few weeks of pregnancy, your body produces high levels of estrogen and progesterone — this causes your milk ducts to swell and prepare for breastfeeding.

Your nipples may feel especially sore and you may notice that your breasts grow one or two cups sizes during the first six to eight weeks.

Breast tenderness may come with other early pregnancy symptoms like:

A missed period

Nausea

Fatigue

Urinating more often

8. You take certain medications

There are several types of drugs that can trigger breast pain or tenderness. This can include:

Blood pressure medications like methyldopa (Aldomet) and spironolactone (Aldactone)

Steroids

Certain diuretic medications

Birth control pills

Hormone treatments for issues like infertility

Psychiatric drugs like chlorpromazine

If your breast pain is severe, you can talk to your doctor about adjusting or switching your medications.

Insider's takeaway

Breast pain is very common and is rarely caused by a serious illness like cancer. In many cases, breast tenderness is triggered by natural changes in your hormones or by a minor issue like a cyst or bruise.

"However, if you have any skin changes, a lump, nipple changes, and/or discharge associated with breast pain, you should see a doctor immediately," Swain says.

10 Signs Your Period Is Coming — Plus, Tips On How To Ease PMS

Bloating, cramping, and headaches are just a few of the common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The most common cause for PMS is a drop in hormones. 

Typically these symptoms last about a week and can strike anywhere from one to two weeks before you get your period.

Here are some more symptoms that signal it's about to be that time of the month.

1. Cramps 

About half of menstruating people have cramps for at least a day or two each month. 

During your period, your uterus sheds its lining. Cramping occurs when the uterus contracts and pushes the lining out. These abdominal cramps generally occur a day or two before your period begins and can continue until a few days after you start your period. 

2. Fatigue 

In a 2019 review, researchers found about 90% of menstruating people feel fatigued before or during their period. You may feel tired during your period as you are more likely to experience a: 

3. Bloating 

Bloating is when the stomach expands, creating a tight feeling of fullness. It is a common sign your period is coming and usually starts one to two weeks before your period begins, says Sherry Ross MD, an OB-GYN at Providence Saint John's Health Center. 

4. Sore breasts 

You may notice your breasts become sore before your period begins. This sensation should only last a few days if you're menstruating, but applying ice or heat may ease any pain. 

5. Breakouts 

In a 2014 study, which included those on oral contraceptives, 65% of participants experienced an increase in acne around their period. However, the likelihood of breakouts varied widely across ethnicities.   In the study, 50% of white people, 20% of African Americans, 19% of Latinos, and 5% of Asians reported breakouts around their period. 

6. Depressed or anxious 

It's normal to have symptoms of anxiety, sadness, or even crying spells due to PMS. However, between 5% and 10% of menstruating people experience clinical anxiety and depression the week or two before their period. This is known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD).

7. Irritable 

You may also become moody and more easily irritated before or during your period doing to changes in hormone levels. This is another common sign your period is coming and can appear a week or two beforehand, says Ross. 

8. Headaches 

If you get headaches around your period, you're not alone. "One of the most common effects of falling levels of estrogen, in particular, is the phenomenon of menstrual migraines," says Felice Gersh, MD, an OB-GYN at the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine. About 60% to 70% of menstruating people report experiencing headaches in connection with their periods.

9. Diarrhea or constipation 

In the 14 days or so before your period, you may experience constipation or diarrhea. Constipation typically occurs closer to ovulation, when hormone levels are higher. As menstruation begins and hormones drop, you may experience diarrhea.  

10. Trouble sleeping 

All of these symptoms can cause sleep disturbances like insomnia or difficulty staying asleep. This can last for a week or two before your period begins, says Ross. 

How to treat PMS

Take ibuprofen or aleve for pain

Start an oral contraceptive to regulate your period

Speak with a mental health professional about anti-depressants

Note: Because a drop in hormones causes premenstrual symptoms, some providers encourage patients to take birth control pills continuously and skip the "sugar" or placebo pills. However, talk to your doctor before doing this. 

Insider's takeaway 

The above symptoms are common signs your period is coming and should resolve within a week. However, you should see a doctor if symptoms regularly persist for more than a week or interfere with your work, relationships, and well-being. Regular, intense discomfort during your period may be a sign of endometriosis, an ovarian cyst, or another condition.

Sarah Fielding

Freelance Writer

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